Ismael Kirui (born 20 February 1975 in Kapcherop, Marakwet District) is a former Kenyan long-distance runner who won gold medals over 5000 metres at the 1993 and 1995 World Championships in Athletics.

His victory in Stuttgart in 1993 was especially impressive as he was only aged eighteen and led the race from the front for most of the second half.

[1] His gold medal in 1995 was won under very different circumstances as the final was run at a slow pace and decided in a sprint.

[2] He and Cheruiyot completed an unusual married couple's double when they won the men's and women's races, respectively, at the Belfast International Cross Country in 1995.

An accomplished road race runner, Kirui won three consecutive Bay to Breakers 12K titles, from 1993 to 1995.